Tana in the duffle

I came downstairs on Saturday morning to find this on my living room floor:

After I laughed my butt off, I just had to take a picture. She doesn't seem to get the joke, though. After I took a couple of picures of her, Lynn picked her up in the duffle so I could take a couple more. She really didn't appriciate this much. But she looks so cute.

That's my hubby and our other dogs are in the background there.

Fetching FO's

While I was taking sock pictures the I thought I'd take some pictures of the finished Fetching gloves. Yes, they were finished ages ago and I never got aroung to taking the pictures. The pink ones are for me and the blue ones are for my Mom. These were made with sport weight yarn on size 3 DPN's.

Finished Twinkle socks and First sock

The Twinkle socks are done!

I finished them at the Crochet Meeting on Tuesday. This is my first knitted pair and I had lots of fun making them. I will definately be knitting lots more! These where knit from the cuff down loosely following the Yarn Harlot's instructions from Knitting Rules. The yarn is Lion Brand Baby Soft in Twinkle Print knit on four Size 3 DPN's.

I did finish that first wool sock. I thought ya'll might like to see it too. I'm not sure yet what I'll do with it. The foot is too big around and too short to actually fit anyone.

Laurie would be ashamed of me

If you haven’t read Crazy Aunt Purl today…read her first. She’s very unhappy about the types of women’s t-shirts available today. Did you read it? OK, here’s why she’d be ashamed of me. Today I’m wearing a baby pink, cap sleeve t-shirt with Tinkerbell on it and it’s got lots of sparkles. It says “Simply Spoiled” on it in big yellow letters. My husband hasn’t seen it yet, but I’m sure he’ll agree with its sentiment. By the way, I think Laurie and I are close to the same size, so I’ve got some of that “armchub” she mentioned. Oh well, sorry Laurie!!

On the headache issue...MY MRI HAS BEEN APPROVED!
Turns out the doctor actually ordered two, one with contrast and one without. I have one scheduled for Saturday morning and the other on Monday morning. I'll let ya'll know how they go.

Crochet-a-long

Our Crochet Group has decided to do a Crochet-a-long and we're making Seraphina shawls! I've made several already which you can see and my blog here. (Check under "Completed Items".) I'm excited, I've been looking for a good excuse to make another one. I really love this pattern! It works up so beautifully in just about any yarn you want to use. Since I have one in Lion Brand Homespun, a nice heavy weight winter shawl, I've decided to make one in Patons Grace for a nice light weight for summer. I chose the Lavander colorway, it's shaded from a medium purple to a very light purple to white to a peacock blue. I can't wait to get started.

I made my husband proud

The prior authorization for the MRI was requested one week ago yesterday and still hasn't been approved. So I talked to my Human Resources lady here at work and she called our company's insurance broker. She put me on the phone with our representative and I explained my situation. The woman on the phone, Lisa, was very helpful, she emailed me a release form to fill out allowing her to speak on my behalf. I completed the form and faxed it back to her. Now she is going to contact our insurance company for me and try to expidite the process. My husband was very impressed.

Stressed out spazmo

The appointment with the neurologist went OK. He felt me up around my neck and back, hit me with a little rubber hammer, touched me with a vibrating tuning fork and poked me with a safety pin. Sounds kinky huh? He was testing my reflexes and sensations. His verdict: the only thing wrong with me is stress. He ordered an MRI "just to be sure". I have to wait until the insurance company approves it. I'll let ya'll know when that happens. He didn't say it, but I think he wanted to tell me I need therapy. Maybe I just need a vacation.

Finally

So, tomorrow is the big day. I'm finally going to the neurologist for my headaches. I just have to swing by the Steinburg on the way there and pick up the films from my neck x-rays. Dudes, cross your fingers they figure this shit out. My head was so bad this weekend, it was radiating down into my left arm again. I sat in my chair on Sunday morning and cried. I tried not to cry this morning too. I've barely crocheted or knit anything in the last couple of days. I slept most of the day on Saturday though. Meanwhile, my hubby and roommate cleaned the entire downstairs, did some grocery shopping and bar-b-cued. Of course, this was all because they had a big poker game, but hey, it was still a nice thing to do.

In other news, Angie came over on Friday night and brought her swift and ball winder. We had lots of fun winding sock yarn in little balls. (Just don't ask Angie about the skein of Tofutsies that became a huge knotty mess on us.)

When did that happen?

I was getting ready to go to the Crochet Meeting last night and I was trying to decide what project to take when I realized the only projects I'm currently into right now are...knitting. I've been a crocheter for years and years and suddenly, I'm a knitter. I have two major crochet projects in the works right now; a couple of afghans and there are a couple more I'd like to make. In knitting, I have two pairs of socks on the needles, several more pairs in mind(including these), a scarf I'm designing, a hat a want to make, a black lace stole I want to design, and a couple of sweaters I'm dreaming about; I'm also thinking about making a bunch of cotton washcloths for winter holiday gifts. There's probably more, but that's all I can think of right now.

Check it out!

It's a sock!

I finished the first one and cast on the second one. Hopefully I'll have the second one done soon.

Spirit Scully

Here is the free hat pattern I promised. Enjoy!



Spirit Scully


Make this hat in your man’s favorite team colors.

Skill level: Easy

Size: Average male head (ego not included)

Worsted Weight yarn (I used Caron Simply Soft)
Main color
Accent color 1
Accent color 2

Size G hook


Rnd 1: With main color, chain 4, 11 dc in fourth chain from hook, join with slip stitch to top of first dc. (12 dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join. (24 dc)

Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st* repeat around, join. (36 dc)

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st* repeat around, join. (48 dc)

Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st* repeat around, join. (60 dc)

Rnd 6-8: Ch 3, dc in each st, join.

Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, ch 1, sk next dc, *dc in next 3 sts, ch 1, sk next dc, join. (15 ch 1 spaces)

Rnd 10: Join Accent Color 1, ch 4 (counts as first dc and ch 1), sk next st, dc in next st, dc in skipped stitch on previous row, *dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st, dc in next st, dc in skipped st on previous row.* repeat around, join.

Rnd 11: Join Accent Color 2, ch 3, dc in skipped stitch on previous row, dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st, *dc in next st, dc in skipped st on previous row, dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st* around, join.

Rnd 12: Join Accent Color 1, ch 4 (counts as first dc and ch 1), sk next st, dc in next st, dc in skipped stitch on previous row, *dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st, dc in next st, dc in skipped st on previous row.* repeat around, join.

Rnd 12: Join Main Color, ch 3, dc in skipped st on previous row, *dc in next 3 sts, dc in skipped st on previous row* around, dc in last two dc, join.

Rnd 13: Ch 3, dc in each dc around, join.

Rnd 14: Ch 3, dc in each dc around, join, fasten off.

Weave in ends.


Please let me know if you find any errors.

Referral received

So I went to my follow-up appointment with the nutritionist. She ran the tests again and the results were better this time. The supplements definitely seem to be helping. I also called my regular doctor and found out what was taking so long with my referral to the neurologist. They had the wrong home phone number for me. They mixed up one number. So, the nurse gave me the name and number of the doctor they are referring me to and I called and scheduled and appointment. Finally! All I have to do now is get a copy of my neck x-rays to take to the appointment with me.

So here's the story...

Those stairs lead into the little trailer where I work. It houses a handful of us out behind the main building, we are the company stepchildren. Anywho, I was running a few minutes late the other day and had my hands were full. I'd stopped at the market and bought some apples and rice cakes. (They were for that whole "trying to eat healthier" thing.) I hit those stairs and went dowwwwwn. I have a lovely little bruise on the top side of my foot/ankle where I hit the step and my left arm is bit sore. Other than that I'm good. I'm an expert at falling on my face, literally. Check out this story from a couple of years ago, and the pictures here and here. And yes, I know that blog hasn't been updated in ages.

Sock progress and headache update

I went back into my stash in search of possible sock yarn and this is what I came up with:


Lion Brand Baby Soft Twinkle Print, it’s a sport weight, 60% acrylic, 40% nylon yarn. I thought it would make a great “practice yarn” and the stretchyness is good. (Just don’t tell the “yarn snobs” I’m making socks with acrylic yarn, they might faint.) I think these will be nice house socks for me and if the yarn is good enough for the babies its good enough for me! I’m working “top down” and have completed the first sock through the gusset decreases so I’m on the home stretch. I’ll be looking for some assistance when I get down to grafting the toes. Haven’t quite figured out that Kitchener stitch yet. I’m working on size 3 DPN’s and I’m getting some laddering between the needles; I’ll have to work on that.

I’ve still got some of the pink left over from the Fetching wrist warmers, I was wondering if I have enough to make a small pair of socks for my friend’s daughter…

I ordered the Yarn Harlot’s new book and a sock book from Amazon; they should be here tomorrow. I’m trying the resist the urge to order some sock yarn from The Loopy Ewe. I still haven’t placed my order for the hemp yarn. I have some in my stash I want to try out first. I did swatch it up a couple of weeks ago, just haven’t cast on for the socks yet.

The headaches are improving. I went to a nutritionist last week, she ran some tests to see what parts of my body are weak and gave me supplements to take. I feel like I'm taking an entire bottle of pills every day. They're doing something for me, I haven't had any hot flashes in the last week!

There's a story here...

I'll tell you later.

Out and about

I made it out to a Crochet meeting last night. We tried out a new venue and it worked out quite well for us. I had a good time even though the only thing I accomplished was frogging a couple of things. After discussing the lack of bounce in the socks I was working on I decided that yarn would better suited to something else. So...I ripped. I also found a mistake in a granny square I was working on so that got ripped too. I tried working on a couple of other projects but I just wasn't "feelin' it". I am doing a little bit better today though, it was so nice seeing everyone last night!

I'm still alive

I haven’t blogged in a while; I’m still fighting that monster of a headache. It’s been going on for almost two months now. It’s gotten so bad it’s radiating down through my neck and into my left arm. My doctor is convinced it’s somehow related to an arthritis flare up in my neck. ??? He is however; referring me to a neurologist, assuming the referral ever comes through. He also took a neck x-ray. There’s talk of sending me to a chiropractor, depending on what the x-rays have to say. I did go get a massage on Saturday. WOW! She found lots of knots and pinched nerves and tight places I didn’t even know I had! I was so sore yesterday I could barely move. I’m still a bit sore today, but I am feeling better. My neck still hurts but the headache is improved.
My knitting and crocheting have been almost at a standstill because of the arm pain. I did manage to finish the dishcloth a couple of weeks ago. I’ll get a picture and the pattern for it posted soon. I still owe you guys the hat pattern too. Gotta get the hubby to pose for a picture in it. I also started a pair of socks. I’m trying a yarn in cashmere and cotton; I have the Sea Foam color. It’s from my stash; I’d picked it up in Amsterdam a couple of years ago. (Yes, even vacationing in Europe I found a yarn store.) I love the feel of it, but there’s not a lot of elasticity (decent amount stretch but it doesn’t bounce back). I may have to make them a little smaller to compensate, which shouldn’t be to hard since I haven’t gotten very far on them anyway.

Tuesday night fun

Last night's crochet meeting was great. We had the privilage of meeting two new people. Hi Angela and Tina! Angela was working on the cutest socks using the magic loop, toe-up and two-at-a-time. I gotta try that!! Tina brought her very first completed afghan, it's so beautiful. Verna showed off a stack of gorgeous knitted dishcloths. Mary is working on another nylon purse, she just makes them up, she's so talented! Our other Angela is making the cutest Koala bear, she's going to enter it in the Clark County Fair. Good luck, I'll bet you get a ribbon! Margie is making an adorable star blanket in pretty bright colors and Jamie is working on an afghan in fall colored granny squares, I can't wait to see them finished. If you weren't there...we missed you!!

I wish I could say I felt better today, but my head is pounding. Thank you all for your "Get Well" wishes. I'll let you know what the doctor says on Friday.

I finished the first beanie, I'll try to get a picture of it tonight and post the pattern.

Here is the progess on the the dishcloth:

I'm very happy with the way this pattern is turning out. I should have this one ready to post soon too.

Is Spring here?

It's a beautiful day today. Sunny and warm, it's about 70F right now and it's supposed to get to 76F later. I just wish I felt better, I woke up this morning with a pain in my left neck and shoulder, and my head still hurts. It's been hurting for a few weeks now, my doctor even tried giving me a shot in the a** a couple of weeks ago. All that did was make my butt sore. I've tried 3 different prescriptions and the latest contains caffeine, which my system reacts badly to. I guess have a month long headache is making me cranky today. Anyway, I'm headed back to the doctor on Friday. Friday was the soonest they could get me in, just another reason to be cranky. That's OK, tonight is the Las Vegas Hookers Crochet Meeting. Something to look forward to, to get me through my day.

Unfinished socks

It is with great sadness that I tell you my first knitted sock remains unfinished. Unfortunately, it may never be finished for I am apparently allergic to wool. I tried on my half-finished sock to see how it was going to fit (it’s a little bit big). After a few moments of stretching it and contemplating the adjustments I would need to make, my foot began to tingle and itch. It still felt uncomfortable a couple hours after I had removed the sock. Strangely enough, the wool does not seem to bother my hands, aside from drying out my skin. I’ve also realized that working with the wool gives me a headache. I do have an ongoing problem with headaches, but the wool seems to make them much, much worse. So for the moment the sock is on hold. I’m searching for some cotton yarn to try. My local yarn store tells me they are getting some in soon and will call me. I’m also considering trying a hemp yarn. Lanaknits Designs has some that I have used for other projects in the past.

In the meantime, I am making sample hats for two beanie/skull caps I have designed in crochet. I will put the patterns up here as soon as I have my samples done for pictures. I am also working on a design for a knitted dishcloth. I will probably make this a free pattern as well. I plan to have several small items available as free patterns to “get my name out there”. I’m contemplating some other designs to submit to publishers. I also have a “set” that I am considering self-publishing. I’ll tell you more about that later.


Here's a preview of the dishcloth.

The cat is out of the bag

My husband and his friend are opening their own plumbing company. They obtained a business license and tax id number a few months ago, when the company they worked for was sold. The Reno division of that company was soon closed and the possibility of closing the office here became a real concern. It’s still up in the air as to what will happen to it. A few weeks ago my husband’s partner passed the test for his Contractors License, less than two weeks later the corporation that had purchased the company the guys were working for found out and fired them both. Needless to say, the last week or so has been an exciting scramble to pull together the final pieces of their company and get it up and running. I have every confidence in my husband and know he and his partner will build a successful and prosperous business. Congratulations and Good Luck, gentlemen!

Finally a decent picture!

I whined a little about the quality of my pictures, so my roomate Dave took a few more for me. This close up came out pretty good. I'm happy now.

HMB Contest Prize

I made a necklace today for the Heartmade Blessings squares contest. The contest is currently under way. This necklace will be one of the prizes that will be awarded.

This is a lousy picture, I had to use my cell phone, my digital camera was dead. I'm charging it and will try to take some better pictures later. The stones are Unakite chips (a green and reddish-pink colored stone) and the pendant is a yarn cutter. I love the gold leaves, I might have to make some earrings out of the leftovers. :)

Inspired by Heartmade Blessings

I designed this square for Heartmade Blessings a couple of years ago. I designed it with the Operation Purple Heart program in mind. This program collects squares in combinations of Red, White and Blue or Purple and White (or Red and White for Canada). The blankets assembled from these squares are given to the surviving parents or spouse of our fallen solders.

Shield of Honor 12" Square Version 1

Designed by Mindy Hobgood

I hook or size needed for gauge.


Worsted weight yarn: use two shades of the same color.


Stitch Guide:


FPdc - yo, insert hook from front to back around post of stitch indicated, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), (yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice.,br>


Note- all dc's are done in back loops only throughout.


Starting with darker color, ch 5, sl st to form ring.


Round 1: Ch 3, 23 dc in ring, sl st in top of beg ch 3.


Round 2: Change to lighter color, ch 3, 3 dc in next st (corner made), dc in next st, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next st, 3 dc in next st, dc in next st, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 3: Ch 3, dc in next st, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next 2 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next 3 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 5: Ch 3, dc in next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next 5 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 6: Working in back loops only, sl st in each st to corner st. Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, dc in next 5 st, sk next st, FPdc around next dc on prev row {1st dc to the right of 1st FPdc}, FPdc around 1st FPdc, dc in same st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next dc, (sk next st, dc in next 5 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts, sk next st, FPdc around next dc on prev row {1st dc to the right of 1st FPdc}, FPdc around 1st FPdc, dc in same st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next dc) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 5 sts - covering sl sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 7: Ch 3, dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 6 st, sk next st, FPdc around 1st FPdc on prev row, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in same st, dc in next st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next st, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next FPdc, (sk next st, dc in next 6 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 6 sts, sk next st, FPdc around next FPdc on prev row, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in same st, dc in next st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next st, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next FPdc) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 4 sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 8: Ch 3, dc in next 3 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 7 st, sk next st, FPdc around 1st FPdc on prev row, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next 2 sts, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next FPdc, (sk next st, dc in next 7 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts, sk next st, FPdc around next FPdc on prev row, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next 2 sts, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next FPdc) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 3 sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 9: Ch 3, dc in next 5 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 8 st, sk next st, FPdc around 1st FPdc on prev row, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next 3 sts, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next FPdc, (sk next st, dc in next 8 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 8 sts, sk next st, FPdc around next FPdc on prev row, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next 3 sts, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next FPdc) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 2 sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 10: Change to darker color, ch 3, dc in each st around, with 5 dc in each corner st, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Shield of Honor Version 2

Here is an alternate version of the Shield of Honor square. I wasn't happy with my first version, so I came up with this one. Then I thought others might like the first version so I decided to keep them both.

Shield of Honor 12" Square Version 2

Designed by Mindy Hobgood


I hook or size needed for gauge.


Worsted weight yarn: use two shades of the same color.



Stitch Guide:


FPdc - yo, insert hook from front to back around post of stitch indicated, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), (yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice.


Cluster stitch - *yo, insert hook in stitch indicated, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook; repeat from * 2 times more, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook.



Starting with darker color, ch 5, sl st to form ring.


Round 1: Ch 3, 23 dc in ring, sl st in top of beg ch 3.


Round 2: Note - dc's are done in back loops only on this round. Change to lighter color, ch 3, 3 dc in next st (corner made), dc in next st, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next st, 3 dc in next st, dc in next st, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 3: Ch 3, dc in next st, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next 2 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 4: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next 3 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 5: Note - dc's and sl sts are done in back loops only on this round. Sl st in each st to corner st. Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, dc in next 4 st, sk next st, FPdc around first FPdc on prev row, dc in same st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, (sk next st, dc in next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts, sk next st, FPdc around first FPdc on prev row, dc in same st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st,) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 4 sts covering sl sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 6: Ch 3, dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 5 st, sk next st, FPdc around first FPdc on prev row, dc in same st, dc in next st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next st, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, (sk next st, dc in next 5 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts, sk next st, FPdc around first FPdc on prev row, dc in same st, dc in next st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next st, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st,) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 3 sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 7: Ch 3, dc in next 3 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 6 st, sk next st, FPdc around first FPdc on prev row, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next 2 sts, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, (sk next st, dc in next 6 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 6 sts, sk next st, FPdc around first FPdc on prev row, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next 2 sts, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st,) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 2 sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 8: Note - dc's are done in back loops only on this round. Change to darker color, ch 3, dc in each st around, with 5 dc in each corner st, end sl st in top of ch 3.


Round 9: Change to lighter color, ch 3, (yo, insert hook into same st, pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) repeat once, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook, beginning cluster made. *Ch 1, sk next st, (cluster st in next st, ch 1 sk next st,) repeat to corner, 5 dc in corner st,* repeat from * each side, end ch 1 sl st into beg cluster.


Round 10: Change to darker color, ch 3, dc in each st and each ch 1 sp around, with 5 dc in each corner, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Help, I have no thumbs!

Dinner with Mike and Nikki was fun, we had a great time and the food was awesome. Mike's Aunt and Uncle celebrated their Anniversary with us as well, so it was one big party!

Here is what I accomplished on my gloves over the weekend:

Yes, they still need the thumbs knitted in.

Now we're really gonna party!

Congratulations Mike!!!

!!!Happy Birthday Nikki!!!

Hey Ya'll! Just a quick shout out to my dear friend Nikki! Have a great day. Can't wait for dinner tomorrow, it's going to be so much fun. We're going to a really neat fondue restaurant. Its.So.Very.Good.

HMB Ghan for Karen

Here is the completed comfortghan for my friend Karen. I used the "Flat Braid" joining method by Priscilla Hewett. The edging is from "50 Crocheted Afghan Borders" by Jean Leinhauser. I don't remember what number it was, but I did modify it a little bit. Here's another link for it: http://www.anniesattic.com/detail.html?prod_id=19213 . I love this book, it has some really great borders that I want to try.

Fetching knitting

Here it is..

My first finished item done on double point needles. A fingerless glove from Knitty.com. The yarn is Bernat Softee Baby. As you can see it's a little too small. I have it cast on again, this time I'm adding one pattern repeat and a few extra rows to the top. It should be right this time. Once I finally finish this pair in pink, I want to make my Mom a set in blue. I'll have to go back and make another small one and give that pair to someone with smaller hands. By the time I finish all that maybe I'll be ready to move on to socks!

Enough with the pity party!

Hey ya’ll. I’m still not feeling to good, but I am doing a bit better. I made an appointment with a new doctor to get a “second opinion” on the liver disease diagnosis. I’m working on gathering test results and medical records to take with me. I’m also trying to write down my medical history, symptoms and concerns to discuss with him. I really need a game plan to tackle this new condition along with all the other ones. I’ve also been trying to eat better and I have already lost a little weight. The exercise part is a little harder since I have no energy and I’m feeling so tired. I’ll just have to start slow.

If you’ve read my blog in the last week you may have noticed that my little Avatar over there was pouting. Her arms were crossed and she had a very sad look on her face with a background scene of question marks. I was feeling very upset and confused about this diagnosis, but a dear friend helped me feel better. When I came home from work the other day my husband pointed out a white binder and told me it was for me. Puzzled I picked up and looked through it. One of our friends (who also works with my husband) had printed out several articles on Fatty Liver Disease, treatments, vitamin therapies, and more. He neatly organized it with dividers and wrote me a supportive note on the first page. I was so surprised and touched. Thank you, Will.

So, I’ve changed my Avatar. That cheering crowd is all my friends and family supporting me right now. I love you all!!

What do you mean my liver is fat?

I'm not coping well with my life today. I was out sick for several days last week due to severe pain in my upper abdomen and back. My doctor and I thought it was my gall bladder and I was mentally preparing for surgery. Nice and simple and done with, right? WRONG. My doctor ordered an ultrasound on Wednesday morning. Afterwards the tech tells me the scan is negative for gallstones, go home and call my doctor tomorrow and it was only 9 am! After leaving two messages Thursday morning I was finally able to speak to my doctor late Thursday night. He informed me that I have "Fatty Liver Disease". What the h*** is that??? OK, so I need to lose a few (read: several) pounds. Apparently there is fat IN my liver, which is a bad thing and can lead to all sorts of not-so-fun complications such as cirrhosis or cancer. There is no "medical" treatment for this, the only thing I can do is diet, exercise and avoid alcohol. Yes, I should be doing these things anyway, and was planning to...see my New Years Resolutions. I'm just having a really hard time wrapping my poor little brain around this new diagnosis. You see, I have previously been diagnosed with SEVERAL other disorders and this is just ONE more and I'm wondering how many diseases one person can reasonably have. Maybe I shouldn't ask, the doctors might come up with another one.

Another quiz

This is funny. I think "Crochet Guru" is probably more accurate, but the description is right on.

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting and do it all the time. While finishing a piece is the plan, you still love the process, and can't imagine a day going by without giving some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation involves leaving ample space for the stash and supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn ends and you begin.
Take this quiz!






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Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year to everyone, I hope your Holidays were wonderful and that this will be a great year for you all.

Here is a list of my 2007 resolutions:

* Lose weight. This will be the hardest one. No more Pop Tarts and less fast food!!!

* Exercise more. Use that gym membership my husband is always fussing at me to use or cancel.

* Use up some of my yarn stash. It’s really not that big (not like my mom’s, I love you Mom!), I know I can eliminate most of it.

* Finish up several of my unfinished projects. I’m going to log them all on the right over there and put up progress bars (once I figure out that tricky HTML thing).

* Post to my blog at least once a week. I gotta give you guys a reason to come back and leave me more comments.

* Write lots of crochet patterns. I have so many ideas, I’m surprised people don’t see them spilling out of my head.

* Get at least one pattern published. This does not include the ones I plan to self publish.

* Conquer knitting. I really want to make socks. I made a small swatch on double pointed needles the other day. The DPN’s weren’t so bad once I got going on them.

* Make more squares for Heartmade Blessings (see “use up stash”).

Here’s to the New Year and good luck on your resolutions!

More chubby cheek family pictures.

This is Dad, Mom, Steven, Tonya and me. The dogs are Nicki and Mandy.

Me, Tonya and Steven.

White Elephants.

Here is my first "officially completed" knitted project. A drop-stitch scarf in Joann Sensations Bellezza Collection Cosetta Yarn. I gave it away for our white elephant gift exchange at work. That's the game where you get to "steal" presents from each other. Our IT guy opened it, then the owner of the company stole it from him! I got an outdoor clock/thermometer, it'll go perfectly in our courtyard.

This isn't the airport.

Last night was our weekly crochet meeting. We meet every Tuesday at a small bar/restaurant on my side of town (northwest). Our group recently filed to become a Chapter with the Crochet Guild of America. We are the Las Vegas Hookers. :) It was a very exciting evening; we had three new members show up. Angie (our resident crochet teacher) spent some time with one of them teaching her how to read a Christmas stocking pattern. One of the other new ladies brought an adorable black purse she’d made for her granddaughter; she’d edged the top of it with pink fun fur and made a floppy hat to match. So very cute!

A funny thing happened when I first arrived. A few weeks ago I purchased a wheeled yarn tote to carry all my supplies in. You can see it/get one here (mine is pink.) It’s completely loaded with several works in progress. Anyways as I approached to door to the bar, there was a drunken man standing outside. He was holding a set of keys in his hand and standing next to a bike and he commented on my tote…

Drunk man: This is a bar, not the airport.

Me: OK.

Drunk man: The airport is east, way over that direction. (waves his arm in that direction and slurs)

Me: OK

Drunk man: This isn’t the airport.

Me: Yes, I know.

Drunk man: But planes do land here sometimes.

Me: Uh huh.

I darted inside after that and told my friends about him.

I do have to admit he’s right, even about the planes landing…A couple of weeks ago a small one made an emergency crash landing in the middle of the street a few blocks over.

How about a facelift?

I did it, I switched over to Blogger Beta. Blogger has been begging me to for weeks. So, I decided a new name and a new layout/color scheme was in order. The name comes from one of my favorite songs, Dolly Pardon's "Coat of Many Colors". This song has very special meaning to me. When I was growing up my mother made me many crocheted items which I always proudly wore. I loved everything she made, but my classmates always made fun of me for wearing them. It didn't matter to me, I wore them anyway. My mother is a very talented crafter, and I am proud to have inherited her talent.

I am the Moon.

This is cool. I like this card.

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Speaking of Seraphinas.

I found this pin on Ebay.

Here is another completed shawl. This one is for my sister Patty. She loves cows. You can see the shawl I made for my other sister, Tonya here.

A bed for the brat.

I decided to use up some of my leftover Homespun (from all those Seraphina shawls.) This is what I came up with. My dog is so damn spoiled, but so very cute. I'm thinking of writing up a pattern for this (with a few changes.) Anybody want it?

Samson wants a handmade bed too.

"I'm just testing it out, Mom."

This is too funny! This is Samson trying to squeeze into Tana's new bed. Notice the cushion in the corner by his butt? That's his bed, but it's not handmade.

The chubby cheek family.

This is me and my sister Patty and another one of me with my youngest nephew, Anthony. I can't believe how much my sister and I look alike now. Everyone in my family has these huge cheeks.

Cutest baby ever!

This is my great nephew Hayden. He's so cute, but I don't think he was very happy about taking a picture with me.

Three generations

This is my sister Patty with her daughter Heather and Heather's baby Hayden (my great nephew.) This was taken right after he was born, a little over a year ago. My niece looks really young but she's actually 22 now. Hard to believe, I remember when she was Hayden's size.

Eternal Earth and Sky

I completed my poncho. I used Red Heart color "Earth and Sky" and Chris Simon's Eternal Braid pattern. I'll try to get a picture of me wearing it.

Here is a close up of the square:

I can cable!!!

I finally got my scarf going. Yes, it's narrow, but it's gonna be really long. I can cable!!!

What was I thinking???

I decided to try knitting again. I am trying to make a scarf. I have started, frogged and restarted twenty bazillion times. I'm really getting good at casting on....

By the way, Happy Halloween!!!

Comfortghan

Here is another Heartmade Blessings Comfortghan I have recently finished.

The border looks black, but it's really a dark green.

Devil dog

Like my horns?

Please don't take my picture.

I really need a bath and a haircut.
Tana


The groomer is coming in the morning, I promise.
Mindy

It's raining today. I caught a picture of this rainbow on my phone. It was gone by the time Dave (my roommate) found his camera.

The girls!

Brielle and Alanna wearing their ponchos. I'm thinking of putting together a leaflet of little girl ponchos.
hmmm....

Brielle's Poncho

Ok, ok, I have a weakness for ponchos. This one is for my friend Eric's daughter. Too many little girls!!
I still have to finish the one for Kathy's grandaughter... :)

My little dog, Tana.

She thought this was a great place to take a nap. I was glad she wasn't under my feet while I was cleaning house, where she usually is....

Another WIP

This is an another afghan I'm working on. This is a "just because" project. I've been wanting to make an afghan in fall colors for a long time, so I finally started one. I can't wait to finish it. I think it's going to become my camping blanket.

This is where I got the pattern: Crochet Fantasy, Number 173, February 2004, Winter Pines, page 48.

Guest Room Afghan

This is the beginning of an afghan I am making for the bed in our guest room. This is part of the previously mentioned remodeling project. We will be painting that room in a couple of weeks and have a new daybed for it. I'll post a pic of the afghan and the room once they're done.